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Improving Home Safety for Seniors

Posted: Apr 29, 2014

By: Tim Forrester

Home is where the heart is for so many, providing more than shelter and security—it’s where memories are made and kept, and it provides a place for self-expression and independence for many seniors. Unfortunately, home accidents are a major cause of injury and even death for seniors, making it especially important to reduce safety hazards to the greatest extent possible. Feeling safe and secure in one’s homes naturally leads to a sense of comfort and well-being.

Here are some tips for improving interior home safety for seniors:

General Safety

Store medications in a safe place and make sure they are clearly marked

Ensure carpeting and throw rugs are in good condition and not worn, torn or turned up at the corners

Make sure lamps and other appliances are in good condition and that cords are kept out of walkways

Make sure door thresholds are level and do not present trip hazards

Ensure that extension cords are not overloaded

Keep smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in good working order

Keep emergency numbers by the telephone, and make sure the telephone can be reached from the floor, in case of a fall

Kitchen

Make sure the range top has a ventilating fan above and is not located near curtains or anything flammable that could cause a fire

Ensure light switch is installed near the kitchen entrance and that kitchen is well lit

Oven controls should be clearly marked and easy to turn on and off

Knives should be kept in a secure rack or drawer

Make sure there is enough countertop space on which to work

Make sure flooring is non-slip, or rugs with no-slip backings are installed

Stairway and Hallways

Stairs should be in good condition with no-slip grips or clearly marked edges, and free of clutter

Make sure hallways have nightlights installed

Light switches should be located at both the top and bottom of stairways

Stairways and halls should be well lit

Make sure foyer floor does not present any trip or fall hazards

Bedroom(s)

Lamps or flashlights should be within reach of the bed

Make sure there is a sturdy armchair for help dressing

Ensure there is plenty of room to walk around the bed

Install a nightlight to light the way to the bathroom

Make sure there is a nightstand with plenty of room for a lamp, telephone, medications and other items.

Bathroom(s)

Make sure the shower stall or bathtub has a non-slip rubber mat

Grab bars should be installed inside the tub/shower and around the toilet to prevent falls

Make sure the light switch is installed near the door

Ensure the bathroom has a working ventilation system and a safe source of heat

Install a night light

Living Room

Chairs and couches should be easy to get in and out of and should be sturdy and secure

Light switches should be installed near living room entrance

Make sure electrical cords are out of walkways and are not under rugs where they can present a trip hazard or be damaged from foot traffic

Ensure the living room is amply lit, with easy access to light switches

These are just some of the ways to improve home safety for seniors. Accidents in the home are common, but these and other preventive measures can help reduce the frequency of slips and falls. A non-medical in-home care representative like the professionals at Always Best Care can assist seniors and their family members in improving home safety.